Cryopreservation of Prepubertal Testicular Tissue for Preservation of Fertility in Young Boys With Cancer
This study focuses on helping young boys with cancer who are at high risk of becoming infertile due to their treatment. Currently, there aren't many options to save their fertility. Doctors plan to take a small piece of tissue from one testicle and freeze it. This is called cryopreservation. This frozen tissue will be stored and, in the future, could potentially be used to help these boys have children when they grow up. Part of the tissue will also be used for research to better understand how to grow these cells. The procedure will happen in Edinburgh, usually alongside another planned operation to avoid extra procedures for the boy.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When young boys are treated for cancer, some powerful treatments can unfortunately damage their ability to have children later in life. At the moment, there aren't many ways to prevent this from happening for boys who haven't yet reached puberty. This study is trying to change that by offering a new approach.
Doctors are planning to carefully take a tiny piece of tissue from one of a boy’s testicles. This tissue will then be frozen and stored safely for many years. The hope is that, in the future, this frozen tissue can be used to help the boy restore his fertility if he wants to have children as an adult. This procedure will be done in Edinburgh and will be carefully scheduled so it doesn't delay their important cancer treatment.
Besides storing tissue for future use, a small part of it will also be used for important research. Scientists want to understand more about how these cells grow and develop. This research could help create even better ways to preserve fertility in the future, not just for the boys in this study, but for others too. Everything is done with great care and the permission of the family.
Key takeaways
- Aims to preserve fertility for boys with cancer.
- Involves freezing a small piece of testicular tissue.
- Procedure done under general anaesthetic, often with another surgery.
- Will not delay cancer treatment.
- Tissue stored for future use in having children, and for research.
- Participation is entirely voluntary.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for boys in Scotland who haven't yet gone through puberty or are just starting to, and who are about to have cancer treatment that has a high chance (more than 80%) of affecting their future ability to have children. To be included, the boys cannot produce a sperm sample on their own, for example, through masturbation.
However, there are reasons why a boy might not be able to join. For example, if taking part in the study would delay their cancer treatment, or if they are too unwell to have the small procedure. Boys who have had previous surgery on their testicles or have other testicle problems, or who can already produce a sperm sample, would also not be eligible.
- Is your son under 18 and not fully through puberty?
- Is he about to receive cancer treatment that has a high risk of causing infertility?
- Is he generally well enough for a very small procedure?
- Has he not had previous major testicular surgery or existing testicle problems?
- Can he not provide a semen (sperm) sample on his own?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, a small procedure will be done to take a tiny piece of tissue from one of his testicles. This will ideally happen at the same time as another operation he might already be having under general anaesthetic (when he's asleep), so he doesn't need an extra anaesthetic. This procedure will not delay his cancer treatment. The tissue will then be frozen and safely stored for a very long time, possibly up to 55 years. Part of the tissue may also be used for laboratory research to help us understand more about fertility. After the procedure, the hospital team will keep in touch to check on his health, but there are no regular visits or specific medications involved in the study itself. The hospital will follow up on his general health as part of his cancer care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
Why is this study important?
It's important because children's cancer treatments can make it hard to have children later. This study aims to find a way to save their fertility for the future.
Will this procedure hurt my child?
The procedure is done while your child is asleep under general anaesthetic, so he won't feel anything during it.
Will this delay my child’s cancer treatment?
No, the procedure is carefully planned so it will not cause any delay to your child's cancer treatment.
What happens to the tissue after it's frozen?
It's stored safely for many years, and in the future, it might be used to help your child have children. Some will also be used for research to help develop better methods.
Can we change our minds about participating?
Yes, you can decide to withdraw at any time. This will not affect your child's care or relationship with the medical team.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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